Abstract: Traffic signals can become skewed due to car crashes, severe winds, vandalism, earthquakes and other man-made or natural phenomena. Severe skewing is termed a “conflict.” An advantageous position detection mechanism is configured to mount inside a traffic light signal head. If signal head movement is outside of predefined limits, an electrical signal is generated indicating a conflict, i.e. traffic signal skewing so severe that drivers and pedestrians are endangered. Normal operation of the intersection is terminated and automatic communications to an appropriate command and control facility are made. For example, a conflict may cause the traffic signal to generate a flashing red light until the traffic signal is repaired.

Abstract: A system and method for object detection and classification includes receiving by a controller a first data of a scene, wherein the data reflects the scene at a first time, and performing a first classification of at least one object within the scene based on the data. The method includes determining a projected location of the at least one object corresponding to an estimated location at a second time. The method includes receiving a second data of the scene reflecting the scene at the second time. The method includes determining whether the projected location of the object corresponds to the location of the object as reflected by the second data. The method includes determining whether performing a second classification of the object is necessary based on the determination of whether the projected location corresponds to the location of the object reflected by the second data.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for controlling a traffic signal includes providing a malfunction management unit configured to generate a control signal and generating the control signal in response to a first signal from a first light source. The control signal is used to disable the first light source. In accordance with another embodiment, a traffic control system includes a malfunction management unit coupled to a first signal head. The traffic control system further includes a means to inhibit a signal that causes a first light source associated with the first signal head to flash.

Abstract: A low-power state current/power consumption for each volatile memory device in a plurality of volatile memory devices is obtained. Data is copied from a first set of the volatile memory devices to a second set of the volatile memory devices, where the second set of volatile memory devices has a lower current/power consumption than the first set of volatile memory devices. Additionally, a current/power consumption may be obtained for each memory bank within each of the plurality of volatile memory devices. Data is then copied from a first set of memory banks to a second set of memory banks within the same memory device in the second set of memory devices, where the second set of memory banks has lower current/power consumption than the first set of memory banks. The first set of volatile memory devices and/or first set of memory banks are then placed into a power-down state.

Abstract: An enhanced control mechanism for an LED light string system is provided for switching between one of two DC output phases or polarities so as to actuate one or the other of two LEDs within the bulbs on the light string. The control mechanism is further configured to allow switching so as to pass through the input power provided by a high-to-low voltage converter that is plugged into its electrical power feeding end. The control mechanism may then provide rectified AC voltage, or DC voltage, of various switched values to the LED string according to the particular needs of the LED bulbs.

Abstract: A malfunction management unit includes an input/output module communicatively coupled to a controller. The input/output module is configured to monitor a sequence of intersection phases determined by the controller. A yellow trap detection module communicatively coupled to the input/output module is configured to determine whether a yellow trap sequence has occurred within the sequence of intersection phases. The yellow trap sequence may comprise a first state followed by a second state, the first state corresponding to permissive left turns in both a first direction and a second, opposing direction, and the second state corresponding to a protected left turn in the first direction.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to an adaptive load circuit for use with traffic light control systems so as to permit operation using low current consumption lamps where the traffic light control systems were originally manufactured for operation with higher current consuming lamps. The adaptive load circuit provides a mechanism whereby an existing traffic light control system is fooled into accepting use of a low current consuming lamp by creating a specifically timed signal during an interval that the traffic light control system normally checks to determined lamp load characteristics.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly are provided. In some embodiments, a retrofitted traffic control assembly configured to reinforce a traffic signal assembly in high wind conditions is provided. The reinforcement devices include connection assemblies for reinforcing the portion of a traffic control assembly positioned between a traffic signal disconnect hanger or a traffic signal and an upper span wire, for example. In certain embodiments, one or more stiffening members may be placed in, on, or adjacent to a traffic signal and/or a traffic signal disconnect hanger to further reinforce the traffic signal assembly.

Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture for communicating with a traffic light system is shown and described. The outdoor lighting fixture includes a ballast for providing current to at least one lamp and a fixture housing at least partially surrounding the ballast and the at least one lamp. The outdoor lighting fixture further includes a mount configured to hold the fixture housing to a pole and a control circuit wired to the ballast. A sensor and a radio frequency transceiver are wired to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to process inputs from the sensor to determine whether to send a light change instruction to the traffic system via the radio frequency transceiver.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, systems and methods for monitoring one or more operating parameters of a traffic lamp and adjusting light output of one or more light sources thereof to correct for one or more degradation factors are provided. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, systems and methods for monitoring one or more operating parameters of a traffic lamp and generating an indication if end of life is detected with the traffic lamp, where end of life is determined based on the one or more operating parameters. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, systems and methods for monitoring one or more operating parameters of a traffic lamp and entering the traffic lamp into a self-protected mode if a fault is detected with the one or more operating parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display for traffic control within a region of traffic flow, comprising an array of lights arranged for illumination to indicate to traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a first path of travel the likely movement of traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a second path of travel different from the first, and thus whether said traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said second path of travel has a right of way over traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said first path of travel.

Abstract: Provided are a signal information transmitting device and a signal information transmitting method. The method includes detecting sections for which current flows through signal lines of a target device and generating detect signals according to the current flow detection result; detecting sections for which switches are turned on and generating switch signals according to the switch detection result; mapping the detect signals with the switch signals according to overlapping sections between active sections of the detect signals and active sections of the switch signals; and transmitting information on the detect signals according to the mapping result.

Abstract: Methods and systems for verifying automatic license plate recognition results providing an input image of a license plate to a processing system that extracts bitmap data from the provided input image and determines a particular license template image associated with the license plate input image. The processing system segments the input image bitmap data into text region bitmap data and outer region bitmap data and then matches the input image text region bitmap data and input image outer region bitmap data against text region bitmap data and outer region bitmap data, respectively, of the license plate image template to determine if there is a match between the license plate of the input image and the template license plate.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and tracking one or more vehicles using a system for obtaining two-dimensional visual data depicting traffic flow on a road is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method identifies groups of features for determining traffic data. The features are classified as stable features or unstable features based on whether each feature is on the frontal face of a vehicle close to the road plane. In another exemplary embodiment, the system and method identifies vehicle base fronts as a basis for determining traffic data. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the system and method includes an automatic calibration procedure based on identifying two vanishing points.

Abstract: In a method and system of service management, a radiative sensor is positioned to observe an area of interest. At least one frame of data of the area of interest is electronically acquired from the radiative sensor. The acquired frame of data is electronically processing to determine the presence or absence of at least one object in the area of interest. Based on the presence or absence of the object in the area of interest, (1) an alert is electronically caused to be generated in response to also electronically detecting another object in another area of interest, and/or (2) a timer is electronically caused to initiate or terminate counting a period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an independent monitoring circuit in an LED traffic signal is provided. The apparatus comprises: a proof test circuit embedded within the traffic signal; and a proof test device embedded within the traffic signal. The method comprises: via the proof test circuit, simulating a faulty traffic signal state; activating the independent monitoring circuit without switching the traffic signal into a high impedance state; energizing the proof test device; and via the proof test device, communicating externally the current state of the independent monitoring circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a traffic routing system for controlling traffic flows in which hazardous or special material is transported through safety-critical traffic zones such as tunnels, bridges or locks. In the method and traffic routing system, safety-relevant data is read with the help of a signal transmitter disposed on the transported hazardous or special material and is transmitted to a central computer unit when said vehicle passes reading devices located in the safety-critical traffic zone. The central computer unit determines a safety risk in the safety-critical traffic zone on the basis of the safety-relevant data of all transported hazardous or special material located in the safety-critical traffic zone and sets traffic routing signals.

Abstract: A system of signal emitting modules is disclosed. The modules emit light or other signals to warn oncoming traffic that a road or other pathway has changed or is traversing a tortuous pathway. The modules are interconnected in a sequence so that they flash on and off in a pattern that leads the driver or observer along a path with less confusion than with randomly flashing or steady lights or reflectors. The modules are self-powered and can be arrayed first and programmed following deployment. The programming can be done with “mesh” technology, an external controller, or by dialing a specific number in each of a plurality of distributed controllers. The modules can improve highway safety by reducing driver confusion. The modules are arrayed to prevent a driver from seeing them from an oncoming direction. The driver coming from the opposite direction will have his or her own guiding system.

Abstract: A manually operated traffic barrier gate which may economically installed and maintained, and easily operated by a single individual during emergency or other critical situations. One embodiment comprises a permanently mounted barrier gate movable from a retracted, upright position to lowered position extended to bridge a preselected traffic path, wherein the gate is counterbalanced to stay in the upright position until deployed, and to be balanced to stay in the deployed state when extended. The barrier gate are operable by one person and includes locking devices to maintain their stored upright or deployed lowered position. A further embodiment of the present invention provides a dual mobile gate which may be towed singly or in a chain (dual gate one behind the other), in a retracted length to the desired location, and thereafter be disconnected from the towing vehicle and left at the site to be deployed in an extended manner or retracted and moved as needed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sealed, automatic sign that displays a traffic sign (such as a stop or yield sign) visible when the power to the sign is interrupted. The sign has a shade, which covers the stop sign within the frame work while the power is on. When the power is interrupted, the shade lowers, revealing the traffic sign. When power is returned the shade is then drawn up to its original state, concealing the traffic sign.

Abstract: Vehicle including a first substructure and a second substructure arranged such that an interior space is defined by or between the first and second substructures, and an arrangement for determining whether an object is present in the interior space. The arrangement includes ultrasonic transducers arranged on the second substructure and to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the first substructure and receive any waves reflected by objects in the interior space and a processor coupled to the ultrasonic transducers and arranged to determine whether an object is present in the interior space based on reception of waves by the ultrasonic transducers. If the vehicle is an automobile and the interior space is the passenger compartment therein, the first substructure can be the passenger seat and the second substructure can be the A-pillar, in which case, the processor determines the presence or absence of a passenger in the passenger seat.

Abstract: An electric street light controller apparatus and monitoring method allows automatic street light turn-on and turn-off characteristics to be field programmable using RFID technology, lamp current magnitude recording, auxiliary sensor input, diagnostic alarming and data storage for later retrieval in a remote electric street lighting monitoring system. The apparatus and method includes, from a remotely located exciter apparatus using an antenna to transmit a specific frequency and code key to the antenna of an electric street light control and monitoring apparatus associated with the electric street light allowing remote wireless field programming of turn-on fight levels, turn-off light levels, rate of change of light levels, specific turn-on, turn-off, and turn back on sequences during dark hours, and specific remote wireless sensors or internal sensor inputs useful for radiological, biological, chemical, or environmental sensing and alarming.

Abstract: A method for controlling the movement of vehicles including removing a portable transmitter assembly and a portable receiving assembly from a vehicle, disposing the portable receiving assembly contiguous to an area where at least one vehicle travels, and illuminating at least one indicator on the portable receiving assembly with the portable transmitter assembly for controlling the movement of vehicles. An assembly for controlling the movement of vehicles includes a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A light emitter for a traffic control preemption system. The emitter includes a plurality of groups of infrared (IR) LEDs and a power source coupled to the groups of LEDs. A plurality of controlled current sources is coupled to the plurality of groups of LEDs, respectively. A controller is configured to trigger an IR light pulse pattern from the groups of LEDs and maintain a first level of IR radiant power from the groups of LEDs using individual control of respective current levels to the groups of LEDs in response to current sense levels from the groups of LEDs. The pulse pattern and first level of IR radiant power activate preemption in the traffic control preemption system.

Abstract: A system and method for activating vehicle sensors which are based on inductive loops. A transformer is used to couple the vehicle frame to activation circuitry. Within the activation circuitry, a voltage controlled oscillator which drives the transformer is scanned throughout the required frequency range while a balanced mixer, low-pass filter, and detector are arranged to show the presence of a signal from an inductive loop by the amplitude of the resultant signal at a difference frequency. The voltage controlled oscillator is then made to dwell at or near the frequency of the sensor loop by adjusting so as to keep the amplitude of that low-frequency difference as high as possible.

Abstract: A method and system for determining right of way for a plurality of mobile units at an intersection. The method and system include collecting position and movement information about the plurality of mobile units approaching the intersection; storing a plurality of rules about right of way at the intersection; accessing information about geometry of the intersection; calculating which one or more of the plurality of the mobile units have right of way to enter the intersection, responsive to the position and movement information, the stored rules and the information about geometry of the intersection; and wirelessly transmitting right of way indication signals to one or more of the plurality of the mobile units.

Abstract: A system for displaying safety information—particularly for pedestrian crosswalks and vehicle brake lights—that permits an operator located at a hub to upload and transmit at least one image to select traffic signals or brake light display screen connected within the network. The at least one image depicts a display of regional, local or even neighborhood significance. The operator, or user, can pinpoint which traffic signals will ultimately display these images. The images are locally significant, informative and whimsical.

Abstract: An electronic toll collection system wherein the reader includes a switching network and a plurality of transceivers operating under the control of a controller. The reader further includes failure detection circuitry for determining whether any of the transceivers have failed based upon the RF outputs of the transceivers. If the controller determines that a transceiver has failed, then it alters the switching pattern such that the switching network excludes the failed transceiver from being connected to the antennas. The reader thereby provides for adaptive RF channel assignment, as the particular transceiver used to excite a particular antenna may be dynamically altered, and the provision of at least two transceivers in the reader ensures transceiver redundancy.

Abstract: A signal monitor includes an alarm function module configured to compare a plurality of input signals associated with traffic control to a set of programmable criteria associated with predetermined events, and to produce a non-critical alarm signal when at least one of the set of programmable criteria is satisfied. This non-critical alarm signal—which is associated with programmable alarm conditions that do not require that the intersection enter the “flash” mode—is communicated to the controller, which may then log and/or transmit the non-critical alarm condition to a central station or maintenance point.

Abstract: An application for a traffic control system includes an enclosure for containing the traffic control system that has an access door with a lock for controlling access to the enclosure through the access door. The traffic control system has an automatic mode of operation and a manual mode of operation, whereas the traffic control system automatically transitions a state of a plurality of traffic lights when in the automatic mode of operation and cycles the state of the plurality of traffic lights in response to a change signal when in the manual mode of operation. An automatic mode activation switch is housed within the enclosure. Activation of the automatic mode activation switch changes the state of the traffic control system from the automatic mode of operation into the manual mode of operation. A watchdog timer is coupled to the traffic control system, The watchdog timer is reset when the automatic mode activation switch is operated and in response to the change signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an independent monitoring circuit in an LED traffic signal is provided. The apparatus comprises: a proof test circuit embedded within the traffic signal; and a proof test device embedded within the traffic signal. The method comprises: via the proof test circuit, simulating a faulty traffic signal state; activating the independent monitoring circuit without switching the traffic signal into a high impedance state; energizing the proof test device; and via the proof test device, communicating externally the current state of the independent monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling transportation traffic signal beacons including powering a signal, encoding a signal state, and decoding the signal state at the beacon is presented. Furthermore, traffic signal beacons may be placed along the length of a bridge to warn of a bridge collapse. The metallic cable that powers the beacons may also function as a bridge collapse detection sensor.

Abstract: A Traffic-Light Status Remote Sensor System is disclosed. The basic system consists of a set of lenses, detectors, and narrowband filters. The sensor system is capable of determining the status of a traffic light (red, amber, or green) from a distance, without any connection to the electronic boards controlling the traffic light. A portable red-light photo-enforcement system working independently from the traffic light controllers is a potential application of the remote traffic light sensor.

Abstract: A signal monitor includes an alarm function module configured to compare a plurality of input signals associated with traffic control to a set of programmable criteria associated with predetermined events, and to produce a non-critical alarm signal when at least one of the set of programmable criteria is satisfied. This non-critical alarm signal—which is associated with programmable alarm conditions that do not require that the intersection enter the “flash” mode—is communicated to the controller, which may then log and/or transmit the non-critical alarm condition to a central station or maintenance point.

Abstract: A system and method for activating vehicle sensors which are based on inductive loops. A voltage controlled oscillator is scanned throughout the required frequency range while a balanced mixer, low-pass filter, and detector are arranged to show the presence of a signal from an inductive loop by the amplitude of the resultant signal at a difference frequency. The voltage controlled oscillator is then made to dwell at or near the frequency of the sensor loop by adjusting so as to keep the amplitude of that low-frequency difference as high as possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring for Red Fail faults in a traffic signal control system. Traffic control signals generated by a traffic control unit are grouped into channels. Certain channels are specified for Red Fail testing in which all lights in a given channel are inactive at the same time. Channels which are not specified are not subject to Red Fail testing, but other conflict testing can still be performed on these unselected channels.

Abstract: An electric street light controller apparatus and monitoring method allows automatic street light turn-on and turn-off characteristics to be field programmable using RFID technology, lamp current magnitude recording, auxiliary sensor input, diagnostic alarming and data storage for later retrieval in a remote electric street lighting monitoring system. The apparatus and method includes, from a remotely located exciter apparatus using an antenna to transmit a specific frequency and code key to the antenna of an electric street light control and monitoring apparatus associated with the electric street light allowing remote wireless field programming of turn-on light levels, turn-off light levels, rate of change of light levels, specific turn-on, turn-off, and turn back on sequences during dark hours, and specific remote wireless sensors or internal sensor inputs useful for radiological, biological, chemical, or environmental sensing and alarming.

Abstract: A power supply for a Light Emitting Diode (LED) traffic signal that controls the light intensity. The light intensity conforms to a predetermined pattern based on the input voltage root mean square value (Vrms). The input voltage is changed by acting on the amplitude of the sine wave or by using a triac and controlling the angle of fire. The power supply comprises a fuse module, an electromagnetic compatibility filter module, a power supply module, a LED load module, a current monitor module, a RMS-DC conversion module and a fuse blow out module.

Abstract: Provided is a signal violation indicator for signaling the phasing of a vehicular control signal. The vehicular control signal may have a control circuit including at least a first traffic lamp and a second traffic lamp. The signal violation indicator comprises a light assembly and a base assembly. The light assembly included a first light source in data communication with the control circuit and a second light source concentrically mounted about the first light source and in data communication with the control circuit. The base assembly is connected to the light assembly and may be mounted adjacent to the vehicular control signal. The base assembly is configured to allow for selective directional control or aiming of the light assembly. The signal violation indicator is configured such that the first and second light sources are alternately activated in coordination with phasing of respective ones of the first and second traffic lamps.

Abstract: A malfunction management unit (MMU) includes advanced diagnostic and set-up capabilities accessed through a display-based user interface. In general, the MMU is capable of displaying (1) monitor status information, wherein the monitor status information includes information relating to the status of at least a portion of the input signals; and (2) diagnostic information, wherein the diagnostic information includes an indication of fault type, and indication of faulty signals, and troubleshooting information associated with said fault type and relevant faulty signals. The diagnostic information includes a textual interpretation of the results of a field check analysis.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a housing that has monolithically formed sides defining a cavity therebetween and an open rear face. A pair of U-shaped guide rails are fastened to the housing and extend vertically away therefrom along a longitudinal length of the system. A sign board is registered along the axis and includes edge portions intercalated within the guide rails. A shield is positional in front of the sign board. The system includes an electromagnetic mechanism for maintaining the shield at a lowered position when an external power source is on, a mechanism for adapting the shield to a raised position when an external power source is off, and a mechanism for automatically lowering the shield after the external power source is reactivated. The automatic lowering mechanism includes spacers and fasteners passing through the spacers to attach the automatic lowering mechanism to the housing while intercalating the adapting mechanism therebetween.

Abstract: An illuminated sign is for traffic control, in particular for road traffic, and includes light sources for generation of the sign and a monitoring device for functional monitoring of the light source. The light sources are embodied as light diodes and the monitoring device is embodied as a device for the limited current loading of the light diodes. The functional monitoring of said sign can be achieved with reasonable technical requirements in both the deactivated and activated state thereof.

Abstract: An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photo detector configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device, the photo detector comprising a lens, an optical filter and a photodiode, wherein the optical filter is disposed between the photodiode and the lens and the optical filter is configured to provide the light output of the warning light to be presented as a substantially uniform spatial response to the photodiode wherein areas of high intensity of the warning light that are received by the lens are attenuated, the areas of high intensity providing higher light outputs than other areas of the warning light; and a microcontroller for receiving the signal, wherein the microcontroller compares the signal to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system using existing inductive traffic loops that is either “car-active” or “car-passive”. In the “car-active” system, a passive element having position information transmits an ID tag and the position information to a transceiver in the vehicle when an emergency vehicle is detected by the existing inductive traffic loop. In the “car-passive” system, a transceiver at the intersection is activated to send an excitation signal to a transponder on the emergency vehicle. The transponder responds with the emergency vehicle ID. The transceiver in the vehicle in the “car-active” system or the transceiver at the intersection in the “car-passive” system, transmit position information to the traffic controller to preempt operation of the traffic signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring for Red Fail faults in a traffic signal control system. Traffic control signals generated by a traffic control unit are grouped into channels. A parent-child relationship is established between some channels. When testing for a Red Fail fault, the control signals in both the parent channel and the child channel are examined. A Red Fail fault will occur only if all the control signals examined in both the parent and the child channel are inactive. The control signals examined in the child channel can be limited to the Green and Walk signals; or may include the Yellow signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traffic-signalling device suitable for providing information to oncoming traffic. The traffic-signalling device comprises a moveable member suitable for attachment to a support and a solar powered drive system. The moveable member is operative to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the traffic-signalling device is operative to provide information to oncoming traffic. The solar-powered drive system is suitable for causing the moveable member to move between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An LED traffic signal having a single switching power supply placed inside the load switch to supply power to each of the aspect signals. The traffic signal has several aspects, such as red, yellow and green. The load switch comprises a switching power supply to supply power to the signals, an output selection circuit to select the desired aspect, and a conflict monitor interface circuit to mimic an incandescent circuit.

Abstract: An LED signal lamp comprises at least two separate LED arrays which have separate power feeds and wherein the LEDs of the arrays are positioned with respect to each other such that when lit they provide a composite light signal output and such that when the LEDs of only one of the two arrays are lit they provide a light signal with a visible distinctive pattern. A distinctive pattern is revealed, either lit or dark. Typically this pattern may be formed as a letter such as “X” or “F” or may be formed as a striped effect, for example.

Abstract: A traffic control sign is provided which automatically unfolds and displays the message STOP and displays flashing messages SIGNAL OUT and 4 WAY upon power failure to traditional traffic lights. The traffic control sign includes a pair of sign plates hingedly attached by a pair of hinges. An enfolding assembly is utilized to rotatably enfold and electromagnetically hold the pair of sign plates to a folded position upon resumption of power. The traffic control sign is adapted to be mounted to existing cable or a circular pipe component used for related traditional traffic signal fixtures.

Abstract: A conjugated diene sulfonation product represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.6, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or --SO.sub.3 X groups (X represents a hydrogen atom, a metal atom, an ammonium group or a quaternary ammonium group), at least one of said R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 being the --SO.sub.3 X group, a polymer of the conjugated diene sulfonation product or a copolymer of the conjugated diene sulfonation product with a monomer copolymerizable therewith. The sulfonation product, the polymer and the copolymer are useful as a dispersing agent for preparing a solid fuel dispersion, a cement dispersion, a dye and/or pigment dispersion or a metal oxide dispersion or as a water-treating agent, a fiber-treating agent, a plating bath additive and an excavation-muddy water-viscosity-adjusting agent.